When my son Reace celebrated his sixth birthday two years ago, he made a wish that I would get a transplant. Less than a week later, his wish came true when I received new lungs.

Reace claims responsibility for my luck and I agree he must have powerful wishes. Before my transplant I had been so sick, I couldn't even walk from the couch to the front door without losing my breath - and it was only six paces.

Just before my transplant my lung function was only 10 per cent. Now the difference is so noticeable. My donor must have had a rip snorting pair of lungs. The transplant has changed my life.

I was born with cystic fibrosis and I was able to manage my condition without a hospital visit until I was 23. At 30 however, I slowly began to deteriorate and was listed for a transplant.

I started having 'tune-ups' once a year, then every six months, then every three months until I was basically living at the hospital and reliant on oxygen to survive. Everyday tasks became impossible and I had to rely heavily on my family to help look after both Reace and myself.

I couldn't even have a shower because standing up made me breathless. I couldn't brush my hair because lifting my arms above my head made me breathless.

I couldn't walk to the fridge to get lunch because it made me breathless.

After four months on the list, I received the call to say a pair of lungs was available. After my transplant, I felt better straightaway. My first lung function test was 98 per cent, I couldn't believe it. I started to cry.

I was so used to being breathless that I didn't know any different. I had wondered what it would be like to be a normal person and now I know.

I can do everything a normal mum would do. Housework, workout, take Reace to basketball and scouts. I can also get up in the morning, have a shower, brush my hair and get dressed without taking two hours.

I am extremely grateful to my donor and their family.